Wednesday, April 2, 2014

04-03-14 APRIL CALENDAR

Attention
Reader:
The calendar is a monthly. We are now inserting additional items into the
current month’s calendar as new events are announced after initial publication.
In our March calendar we doubled the number of the events we started with. So
check us out after a while in case there are new events. When you do, the
additional items will begin with check
mark: √.

Militarized cops: The drug war weapon of choice.

——————————

Wednesday, April 2, Poughkeepsie: At 7 p.m. there will be a free
public screenning of the important 2012 docucmentary “The House I Live In,” an exposé of America’s near tragic and counterproductive “War on Drugs.”
It takes place at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, 67
South Randolph Ave., and is spoonsored by the The Social Justice Committee.
“Are drug laws fair? Should a drug sentence be a life sentence? This
film examines the case from the perspective of the dealers, the jailers,
the grieving mothers and journalists like David Simon (creator, The
Wire). Directed by Eugene Jarecki, this documentary film "makes a
shattering case against the War on Drugs," says Roger Ebert. Information, Pat
Lamanna, (845) 452-4013 or patla42@gmail.com.

Thursday, April
3, TARRYTOWN: A Rally Against Fracking starts at 5 p.m. at the Doubletree Hilton hotel, 455 South Broadway, and Governor
Andrew Cuomo — who just can’t make up his mind — will be there. Actually he’ll
be inside the hotel at a fundraiser. According to Food & Water Watch organizer Eric Weltman, “we're going
to be there too, to send him a message urging him to ban fracking.”
Information, (718) 943-9085, eweltman@fwwatch.org.

Thursday &
Friday, April 3 & 4, NEW PALTZ: A film about the dangers of genetic
modification of the food supply is the topic of a new documentary that will
have two showings at different locations in NewPaltz today and tomorrow. The film is “Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives,” produced by Jeffery
Smith, a well known critical expert in this field.• On Thursday, April 3, it willbe screened at 7 p.m. in Lecture Center 100
ON THE SU. • On Friday, April 4, it
will be screened at 8:15 p.m. in Elting Library, 93 Main St. Both are free. The events are sponsored by Hudson
Valley for No GMOs, Hudson Valley for NO GMO,
and New Paltz Women in Black. Information, hvnogmos@gmail.com,http://www.hvnogmos.org, and
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gmo-omg-Hudson-Valley-for-No-GMO/131115900297761.

Friday, April
4, KINGSTON:
Here’s another important free film: “The Great Book Robbery” begins at 7 p.m.
at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, 320 Sawkill Road
This offering “describes the theft of Palestinian culture — a multi-layered story
that includes dramatic location filming, eyewitness accounts, archival footage,
pictorial material, C.G.I. (computer generated images), documents and culture
critiques.” Guest speaker Hannah Mermelstein is a school librarian and Palestine solidarity activist
based in Brooklyn. She has led more than 25 delegations in Palestine. This film
showing is sponsoredbyMiddle East Crisis Response
(www.mideastcrisis.org) and Hudson Valley Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions
(www.hudsonvalleybds.org). Information, Jane.toby7@gmail.com,
ot (518) 678 2076.

Hiroshima — never forget, never again.

Friday, April 4, ROCK TAVERN: A meeting titled “Nuclear
Disarmament now — A Call to Action” opens at 7 p.m. atthe Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 9
Vance Rd. (off Rt. 207). A Forum discussion on this vital topic take
place after brief service in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was
assaddinated on this date in 1968. Speakling will be Larry Wittner, a U.S.
historian who has written extensively on peace movements and foreign policy,
and Guy Quinlan, president of the Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy. A
discussion will follow. “A $5-$10 donationwelcomed to defray expenses, but no oneturned away for lack of funds.” The sponsor
is the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at
Rock Tavern, http://www.uucrt.org.
Information, Rev. Chris Antal, (845) 297-2792.

Friday, April 4, ALL OVER: Were told by a couple of Occupy
groups “The Worldwide
Wave of Action begins April 4 and runs through July 4. During this three-month
cycle, people throughout the world will be protesting corruption, rallying
around solutions and taking part in alternative systems.” We don’t know of events in the
Hudson Valley yet but there will be a demonstration beginning at 3 p.m. today at
Zuccotti Park(Broadway and Liberty St.)
in Manhattan. Information is at #WaveOfAction #OWS April 4th Launch Celebration,
https://www.facebook.com/events/1431836847059773/#

Saturday, April
5, CHATHAM:
There will be a meeting today of the
Citizen’s Climate Lobby, Columbia County Chapter, 12:45 p.m., at Chatham Real
Food Market Co-op, 15 Church St. “We are a new local chapter of a national
non-partisan grass roots effort dedicated to building political will for
Congress to take meaningful action for a sustainable climate. All
are welcome.” The group will also meet Tuesday, April 21, same time/place. Information,
ccl.columbiacounty@gmail.com, About thegroup, http://www.citizensclimatelobby.org

Monday, April 7, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): “The
Dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms in Our Food,” is the topic of a 7
p.m. talk by Jeffrey Smith (who produced the GMO films above) in Lecture Centere
100. It is sponsored by SUNY New Paltz Office of Academic Affairs,
Environmental Task Force, NYPIRG and Hudson Valley for No GMOs. We are told by
the sponsors that “Smith is the author of the international bestseller, ‘Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and
Government Lies about the Safety of the Genetically Modified Foods You Are
Eating’ and ‘Genetic
Roulette:The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods’, and
director of the award-winning film of the same name. He is one of the leading
critics in the world of the controversial practice of genetically modifying
plants and animals.” Information, hvnogmos@gmail.com,https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gmo-omg-Hudson-Valley-for-No-GMO/131115900297761.

Wednesday, April
9, POUGHKEEPSIE: The End the New Jim Crow Action network will meet at
6 p.m. at the Sadie Peterson Delaney African Roots Library, Family Partnership
Center, 29 N Hamilton St. (NOTE: Also meets here Wednesday, April 23.) Information, (845) 475-8781, http://www.enjan.org.

Thursday, April
10, WOODSTOCK: Middle East Crisis Response, a group of Hudson Valley
residents joined together to promote peace and human rights in Palestine and
the Middle East, will hold its regular meeting tonight, 7 p.m. at
Woodstock Public Library, 5 Library Lane. Information, (845) 876-7906, http://www.mideastcrisis.org.

Friday to Sunday, April 11-13, OLD
CHATHAM: “Transitioning: A Workshop for Change
Agents” is the title of three days of workshops to be held at Powell House
Quaker Conference & Retreat Center, 524 Pitt Hall Road. We are told:
“Quaker Earthcare Witness, Transition Towns, and the Pachamama Alliance are all
working to unite people who are determined to heal the Earth in a purposeful,
living web of relationship. This workshop will empower participants to
become change agents within their communities, using the practical methods of
the Transition Town resiliency model. Transition Towns provides a framework for
creating the changes needed within each community to deal with climate change,
economic instability, and the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The
weekend will combine the best of the Pachamama Alliance's Awakening the Dreamer
Symposium with Transition Town training.” For Information about registering,
fees, and workshop details, contact Sharon@powellhouse.org, and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Powell-House/147908958630304.

√ Saturday, April 12, TROY (Sage Colleges
campus): The Sage Climate Crisis Center,
headed by Dr. Steven Leibo, will sponsor an introduction to a national
non-partisan grass roots organization, Citizen’s Climate Lobby, 1 p.m. at the
Mueller Science Hall, Room 101, next to the Sage Library. Presenters will be
active CCL volunteers starting a new group in Albany. Leibo will provide an
update on the climate crisis. CCL is working to enact legislation that will put
a direct and steadily-increasing fee on carbon-based fuels that will wean our
nation off of fossil fuels and move us toward greater use of clean energy
sources such as solar and wind. Information or to RSVP for the meeting,
contact Iona Lutey at ccl.columbiacounty@gmail.com, http://citizensclimatelobby.org,

√ Saturday, April 12, HIGHLAND/POUGHKEEPSIE: The Walkway Over the Hudson is the venue for a
"Fly Kites, Not Drones!" demonstration beginning 2:45 p.m. on “your”
side of the bridge and converging at the flag poll at 3 p.m. for a rally. Since
no signs are permitted to be carried on the walkway, wear pinned/taped signs on
clothing.Information, Andrew, (845) 699 3051.

Sunday, April 13, ALBANY:
The Palestinian Rights Committee of Upper Hudson Peace Action is sponsoring The
Grace B. White award dinner beginning at 3 p.m. at the First Unitarian
Universalist Society. 405 Washington Ave. The award's namesake is an
iconic local advocate for peace and justice. It will be presented Barbara
Dworkin for reaching out to local Palestinian families, and enhancing
relationships between residents of the capital district Jewish and Palestinian
communities. Her efforts have thus helped the local Jewish community
achieve a better understanding of the peaceful aspirations of
Palestinians. The cost is $15 per person (paid by April 6,) $20, at the
door. Under 12 free with adult. A portion of proceeds will benefit
Palestinian refugees in Syria. Make check payable to Palestinian Rights
Committee and send to Tom Ellis, 43 N. Pine Ave, Albany NY 12203. Information,
mfolsom@aol.com.

√
Sunday,
April 13, KINGSTON: The
Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center invites activist groups who want to coordinate
activities with us to come to the center 3-5 p.m. The Center’s at the corner of
Wall and John Sts. We have already met with representatives of ENJAN and other
groups. The theme for the Center this year is Justice. Members of the Center
and everyone else are invited to join us.

√ Tuesday to Friday, April15-18, BEACON: From Senic Hudson — “Make learning a
family affair during spring break. Join us for a series of art and educational
programming dedicated to acknowledging — and building — the Hudson Valley’s
diverse communities. We’re located just by the river at 8 Long Dock Rd. Drop in
anytime (10 a..m.-1 p.m.) to make a Hudson River rock pendant and paint a quilt
square.Wear clothes you won’t mind getting dirty, including long pants and
sturdy closed-toe shoes. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an
adult.” Information, Scenic Hudson Education Coordinator Kate Brill: kbrill@scenichudson.org,
(845)473-4440, ext. 238, http://www.scenichudson.org.

√ Wednesday, April 16, NEW PALTZ: The first Hudson Valley Regional Meeting of New Yorkers Against Fracking will
take place 7-9 p.m. in the Town of New Paltz Community Center, 1 Veterans
Drive. A workshop for a statewide ban on fracking will focus on continuing to
advance the movement in the Hudson Valley, on building the pressure on Gov.
Cuomo and on “how everyone can effectively get the facts out about fracking far
and wide in the media.” Information, Julia Walsh, Frack Action, info@frackaction.com .

√ Saturday,
April 19, NEW PALTZ: The extreme extent of solitary confinment in the U.S.,
including in the New York prison system, is cruel and vindictive. A Hudson
Valley Workshop on Solitary confinement will be held 2-4:30 p.m. at Village
Hall, 25 Plattekill Ave. All are invited. The discussion will include how the
Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement (CAIC) can collaborate with
people and groups in the Hudson Valley, including to support new legislation
challenging the odeous practice. People in isolated confinement are held in a
small cell for 22 to 24 hours a day without meaningful human contact,
programming, or therapy. New York prisons and jails currently subject far too
many people (thousands on any given day), including particularly vulnerable
groups like young people and those with mental health needs, to isolated
confinement for months, years, and decades in conditions that cause deep and
permanent psychological damage. Information, or to RSVP, Alexandra Cox, coxa@newpaltz.edu, (845) 257-3756, www.nycaic.org. Sign up for CAIC’s monthly
email newsletter at http://eepurl.com/CjxOv.

√ Saturday,
Aug. 26, ALBANY: “Groundswell Rising,” a new documentary about the struggle
against fracking, will be screened at 7:30 p.m. in Channing Hall of the First
Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, 405 Washington Ave. (across from the
downtown SUNY/Albany campus). A post-film discussion will be led by associate
producer Dave Walczak. This free public event is sponsored by the Solidarity
Committee of the Capital District, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper
Hudson Peace Action.
Information, Lawrence Wittner <lwittner@albany.edu>.

Sunday, April 27, NEW PALTZ: Rain or shine, 11 a.m-3 p.m,
come to the 2014 Annual New Paltz Earth Day Fair andFestival on Huguenot St. (just east of the
Wallkill bridge, then turn north for a couple of blocks). The gathering and
celebration will honor sustainability and earth wise practices. There will be
“Displays, demos, children's activities, healthy hood, thoughtful tun,
inspiring music and more — free.” The event is sponsored by the Caring for
Creation Committee of the Reformed Church and the New Paltz Climate Action
Committee. Information, (845) 255-5779.

√ Wednesday, April 30, KINGSTON:
A free screening on the subject of “the truth about the health, safety and
privacy issues of smart meters,” is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the Community
Room at Kingston Library, 55 Franklin St. The film is the award winning Josh
del Sol documentary, “Take Back Your Power.” A moderated discussion and a Q
& A will follow this free public showing. Information, giftofhealth9@gmail.com.

√ Wednesday, April 30, KINGSTON:
A free screening on the subject of “the truth about the health, safety and
privacy issues of smart meters,” is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the Community
Room at Kingston Library, 55 Franklin St. The film is the award winning Josh
del Sol documentary, “Take Back Your Power.” A moderated discussion and a Q
& A will follow this free public showing. Information, giftofhealth9@gmail.com.

√ Wednesday,
April 30, ALBANY: The local chapter of Amnesty International is sponsorimng a 7
p.m. screening of the Academy
Award-nominated documentary about immigration, “Which Way Home?” A discussion
will follow. This free public event takes place at The Linda, WAMC’s performing
Arts Studio, 339 Central Ave. Information, www.ai361.org

√ Wednesday, April 30, KINGSTON: A free screening on the subject
of “the truth about the health, safety and privacy issues of smart meters,” is
scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Kingston Library, 55 Franklin
St. The film is the award winning Josh del Sol documentary, “Take Back Your
Power.” A moderated discussion and a Q & A will follow this free public
showing. Information, giftofhealth9@gmail.com.

NOTE: MORE ITEMS WILL BE ADDED FOR APRIL AS THEY ARRIVE.
LOOK FOR THE √.

A Blog for Peace, and Social Progress Now!

The main articles on this page consist of national and international news and commentary from a progressive point of view, and constitute the monthly edition of the Activist Newsletter, which is subscribed to by 3,300 regular email readers, the bulk of them in the New York State’s Hudson Valley. They are alerted by email about the contents of each new issue. Innumerable visitors also drop in throughout the month. Sign up below to receive our email notices. In addition a calendar of progressive regional events appears every month with one or two updates, as well as occasional individual articles.